Best colleges in Vermont, ranked by ROI
We rank all 9 Vermont institutions we profile by payback years — total net cost divided by earnings above the $48,360 high-school baseline. The state's median net price is $25,239/yr (above the $16,902 national median), and its graduates earn a median $58,386 ten years out (above the $43,549 national median). Middlebury College leads, clearing its cost in 4.5 years. (Scorecard, 2026.)
$25,239
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$58,386
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
7 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
9
Colleges ranked
degreedividend.com
| # | College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middlebury College | $31,483 | $76,310 | 4.5 yrs |
| 2 | Norwich University | $22,257 | $65,575 | 5.2 yrs |
| 3 | University of Vermont | $19,343 | $62,472 | 5.5 yrs |
| 4 | Saint Michael's College | $25,239 | $61,317 | 7.8 yrs |
| 5 | Champlain College | $35,860 | $58,386 | 14.3 yrs |
| 6 | Vermont State University | $18,212 | $50,331 | 37 yrs |
| 7 | Community College of Vermont | $13,696 | $36,234 | no payback |
| 8 | Bennington College | $30,947 | $38,289 | no payback |
| 9 | Landmark College | $56,954 | $29,813 | no payback |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · ranking and payback are our math. Payback uses institution-wide earnings; a specific major can rank very differently.
Colleges in Vermont: frequently asked questions
Which college has the best ROI in Vermont?
Middlebury College. It charges $31,483/yr after aid and its graduates earn a median $76,310 ten years out, clearing the cost in about 4.5 years — the fastest payback of the 9 Vermont colleges we track.
How much does college cost in Vermont?
The median net price across Vermont colleges is $25,239/yr after grants and scholarships — above the $16,902 national median. That is the actual price the typical aided student pays, not the published sticker.
What do Vermont college graduates earn?
A median $58,386 ten years after entry (Scorecard), above the $43,549 national median. Earnings vary widely by school and major — see each college's profile for its own figure.
How many Vermont colleges pay for themselves?
6 of the 9 Vermont colleges we track clear their cost on institution-wide earnings above the high-school baseline. The rest need a high-ROI major to pay off — the school average alone does not.